Traveling and staying in shape doesn’t usually go hand in hand. We travel for various reasons, be it for business or vacation. Whatever may be the reason it is obvious that our normal routine gets smashed to pieces during that time. During business travel, it may be extremely busy days and if it is a vacation we indulge and treat ourselves in many ways especially with food. So, you may be a fitness freak at home but most of the time you forget how to stay fit while travelling and often consider those days as “cheat days” for eating or exercising. Well, you can convince yourself in either way but as a result, you come back home with those extra pounds.
But don’t you think this is a misconception that you can skip the routine to stay fit while on the go? Actually, when you are traveling somewhere you are out of the usual pressure and commitments, so it is a great opportunity to stay fit. Why don’t you take traveling as a fitness regime? Let’s find some easy steps to stay fit while traveling.
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Keep Active Along the Way
Whatever may be your mode of journey, whether it is a car, train, or plane, traveling forces you to sit for longer periods. This isn’t good for your health and creates unnecessary lethargy in your body and mind. So, at least determine to walk at regular intervals during the journey. Hence, while traveling always wear walking or running shoes.
Now, if you are traveling by train walk through the cars, or if you are driving long distances take short breaks, get out, stretch your body. Furthermore, if it is by plane, walk around sometimes, if you encounter a transit journey, stroll through the airport terminal. Don’t indulge yourself to sit idle in one place. Use stairs instead of escalators to keep yourself stay fit while travelling.
Prefer walking to stay fit
Isn’t walking the best means to explore a place? You will discover much more while you are on the foot. It could be a quirky lane, an amazing restaurant, or a super cute boutique that might catch your eye! There are many things about a place that we won’t get in any travel guide and only can explore with our eyes.
So, if you have traveled somewhere where every destination is within walking distance don’t go by bus, train or taxi and walk! Walking is one of the best ways to stay fit during your travel. Walking at a time helps to trim your waistline, make your muscles and bones stronger, and bring better coordination and balance to the body.
Explore sports activities
Ok, so if your idea of a holiday involves only fun activities, still there are plenty of options to stay fit while traveling. If you are a sports and adventure lover, do some surfing, swimming, kayaking. If you are at the beach play beach volleyball. Explore the better view from hilltops with rock climbing. All these activities will help your heart to pump well and also help to boost your mood, keep you in shape and increase your energy.
Stay fit while travelling with a healthy diet
No doubt food is a massive part of travel. During hectic business travel, it is often something quick to grab in. Furthermore, if it is leisure travel then tasting all those local cuisines, experimenting with street foods, or indulging in some extra cocktails are all part of the fun! Why not balance between your urges and a healthy regime?
So, start with a healthy full breakfast. Most of the hotels nowadays offer buffet breakfast as complimentary. Stock up yourself with a heavy breakfast to fuel your energy for the rest of the day. And while traveling for the rest of the day carry multiple healthy snacks with you so that whenever your tummy starts grumbling you can have plenty of options to resist yourself. This will maintain both your blood sugar level as well as willpower.
And when you are in transit…
This is when you fall into the “you only live once” mindset. After a long tiring journey, you are among those multitudes of willpower-deprived and sleepy travelers. So, while rushing for a flight it is often that you are the victim of that horribly unhealthy and overpriced food of airports.
Don’t let this happen. Better pack a couple of sandwiches, protein bars, or nuts, or any healthy meal before you leave for the airport. This will definitely keep you stay fit while travelling.
Stay hydrated with water to stay fit while travelling
This is more relevant when you are out traveling in a hot climate. It is recommended that we consume 3-4 liters of water in a day. Staying hydrated not only helps us to control appetite but also prevents overeating. Don’t mistake dehydration with hunger. Hence, always carry a big water bottle while you are on the go and refill it whenever needed to measure how much water you are consuming in a day.
Do Yoga at hotel room
Your hotel may not have a gym or you don’t need to carry your exercise equipment while on the go, but one thing you can surely do is yoga. Do a routine for yoga either in the morning or night in between your work or travel. It will leave you to feel energized and give you endless benefits.
Use the Airport Gym – another way to stay fit while travelling
Spending time during a long layover is boring. Why not avail of some gym activities during that time? Well, you don’t have to be a First-class passenger or a premium member to access airport lounges. Get a priority pass to access the gym facility regardless of your airline or cabin class. You won’t feel airports the same way again!
Chill out
Don’t stress yourself out for staying fit! It’s your holiday and most of your time you must enjoy your traveling. It doesn’t really matter if sometimes you treat yourself a few or miss exercise as much as you’d planned. Staying lively mentally is also equally important.
Final verdict
Finally, listen to your body! If you are suffering jet lag that leaves you exhausted then make your workout lighter. It is not unusual to take it easy once in a while. Moreover, during disruptive travel, it may not be the best time to increase fitness levels. However, regular exercise can help to reduce stress and motivate you in action.
Travelling does wonders for our mental health, the only thing is we should balance it with our physical health. Last but not the least, don’t overthink it and take it easy! Have fun during your travel and enjoy life ! Travel harder and stay fit while travelling!